THE long-standing issue regarding the shortage of workers has once again been brought up in the meeting with the Penang government.
Delegates from the Penang Master Builders, led by its president Datuk Goh Teng Whoo, paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow early this morning.
Goh said the shortage of foreign workers has seriously impacted the construction industry.
“We understand that the issue is a matter of the Federal Government and we, in the construction industry in Penang, need about 50,000 workers to get things moving.
“In addition to having endured the shortages of foreign workers, the renewal of work permits is also mostly rejected.
“We propose an automatic yearly renewal of work permits until the issue of shortage of manpower is resolved,” he told Chow during the visit.
The delegates said the shortage of foreign workers issue has indirectly increased workers’ wages tremendously.
“Building materials cost has also increased,” Goh said.
Chow said the issue regarding the shortage of workers has been brought up many times by various organisations from different industries.
“This has been one of the main issues faced by trade organisations and other industries for the past 18 months.
“We have now entered the ‘talent war’ period where different sectors and industries are fighting for labour in and not in the market.
“The ministry has not been able to instil confidence and solve the long-standing issue.
“I take note of the need for 50,000 workers in the construction industry in Penang,” Chow said.
Other issues, such as the efficiency of several Government departments and traffic congestion were also discussed.
Those present at the meeting were the association’s immediate past president Datuk Lim Chee Tong, deputy president Tan Yee Churd, vice-president I Jeffery Koay Kai Chin, secretary-general Datuk Albert Moh, assistant secretary-general Lim Chun Khon, assistant treasurer Tan Eng Leong, and committee members Datuk Finn Choong, Datuk Lim Kai Seng, Ong Seng Chye, Alvin Yeow, Datuk Jessen Ang and Tai Lee Leong.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting